4 - Point Couples Photo Shoot Survival Guide

There are several things you may already know, that take just a little planning for your couples photo shoot but make a huge difference in the quality of your gallery and your overall satisfaction. Here is My True Love Media's take of the Couples Photo Shoot Survival Guide on how to make the most out of your session and get the best results, in a few simple points: Location, Outfit, Poses and Variety.

1. Location

Establish what kind of photo shoot you want: creative, simple or quirky?

Collaborate with your photographer to find a location you’ll be comfortable with - will you get distracted in a public area? Will you feel more confident in a private space or calm, low traffic area? Do you have a location that's special to you and your partner such as a first date spot?

• Be sure to pick a single location that will have enough walking-distance spots to make the photo shoot look like they were taken at different locations. You don’t want to waste time driving to separate locations if you are under a time limit and could have the same result at a single location.

• Don’t be afraid to bring props (flowers, clear umbrella, a fancy rug or chair, etc.) and discuss your ideas with your photographer or ask if they have something you can use. You can even bring your furry friend! The point is to make your photos come to life and to tell a story. However, you may want to avoid bringing props that are overly cheesy and would take away from candid photos. 

• Other prop ideas: teacups, thrifted blankets, hats, see-through material (think wedding veil that a couple would use to hold over their heads or in the wind). Bring an activity you and your partner love to do! That could be cups for drinking coffee, books for reading, items for having a picnic, your favorite snacks, (fruit, donuts, etc.)

• Share your Pinterest board with photographer (if you have one), even if it’s just a short session

2. Outfit

Be sure to send your outfit ideas to your photographer and be open to styling suggestions with them. Without taking photographer’s suggestions into consideration, you risk not being happy with the end results of your photo shoot. 

• Wear something that won’t clash with your backdrop, and will make sense with your location. For instance, don’t wear a fancy princess or cocktail dress if your location is a local lake (or it will look like the photos your grandma takes before you head off to prom). Don’t wear bold colors if your backdrop is flowers and greenery.

• Wear something you’re comfortable in or that you feel your best in!

• Make sure you and your significant other’s outfits complement each other (one shouldn’t be dressy while the other is wearing a tennis outfit)

• Bring different outfits but make sure the area has a bathroom where you can change within a short amount of time. If session is outside with no bathroom/changing area don’t rule out an outfit change - just wear layered clothing or just add a jacket and change earrings to switch up your look! Remember that outfit changes are included in your timed photo session and you don’t want to create an outfit that would take forever to construct. 

3. Poses

Most people don’t have experience taking pictures and that’s okay! Just enjoy the session and pretend the photographer isn’t there. The photos that tell a story best, are ones that are candid and not posed. The basic points are to maintain your posture and focus on your partner. When you stop thinking about yourself and how you look, your best features shine as you and your partner laugh, and do what you always do.

4. Variety

The best photos result from planning on variety. This will be a combination of outfit changes, enough differentiated spots at a location, photographer skills, lighting, props, poses and more. It is good for both the photographer and client to prepare so that you are not coming up with concepts on the spot, but have an idea of how you will tell your story. Don’t forget that your poses will reflect your mood, so be sure to rest, eat and drink water before your photo shoot! If you would like, bring your favorite music/playlist to listen to as you get your pictures taken!

We hope these tips helped and you are ready to let your confidence shine!